ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – MoWest softball head coach Nicole Thompson has announced the addition of 12 players in her 2026 signing class Wednesday.

The Griffons added seven transfers and five freshmen to the squad. Eight of the newcomers are position players, and five are pitchers.

Of the seven transfers, four come from NCAA Division I institutions.

"We are very excited about our new Griffs," Thompson said. "They come from a little bit of everywhere and bring a lot of qualities and experience. We worked really hard on the recruiting trail this past year to replace what we lost and to add to this returning class."

MoWest is coming off of a 32-21 record in Thompson's first season as head coach in 2025, including a 12-12 mark in MIAA play. The Griffs lost six seniors from that team – all of whom had significant starting experience.

"I really wanted to add depth in this roster in various positions and these 12 newcomers will help that a lot," Thompson added. "We have a great returning class that includes several starters from last season, and now with these additions, I am so eager to get this year going with this group and see what is in store for us."

MoWest also brings plenty of talent back with nine seniors and eight total players who started in 16 games or more in 2025 returning for 2026.

2026 Signing Class

Transfers

Torie Sandoval – Sr. RHP – Rogers State

• Boasted a 5-1 record for RSU in 2025, 2.89 ERA, 29 strikeouts to 9 walks in 15 appearances.
• JUCO All-American and All-Region Pitcher at Trinidad State College in 2024.

Lauren Morrell – Sr. INF – Marist University

• Spent 4 years at Marist, redshirted in 2025.
• Career 22 runs on 9 hits in 25 career starts.

Sophie Johnson - Jr. C – Wichita State

• Made 17 starts over two seasons with the Shockers.
• American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.

Maddy Blair – R-So. 1B/UTL - Southern Arkansas

• 2x first team all-region and all-state in 2023 at Northwest Christian High School.

Kenedee Giddens – R-So. OF – University of Maine

• Started 29 games for Maine in 2024, batting .215.

Amiya Hernandez – So. OF – BYU

• Appeared in 35 games and scored 13 runs in the 2025 season for the Cougars.
• A 2023 badminton doubles state champion and a four-time state qualifier in wrestling in high school.

Kendra Mitchell – Jr. RHP – Iowa Western CC

• Combined 4-1 record in two seasons with the Reivers, career 5.50 ERA and 41 Ks in 27 appearances.

Freshmen Signees

Rachel Cain – INF – Chandler, Ariz.

• First team all-region and Senior All-Star Game MVP.

Aubrey Dare – RHP – Severance, Colo.

• 465 career strikeouts in 354 innings pitched. Career batting average of .439. 2x all-state.

Luna Flores – INF – Dallas, Tex.

• Gold Glove and Silver Bat recipient. First team all-district.

Tyjha Henderson - OF/UTL – Topeka, Kan.

• All-league honorable mention outfielder.

Leah Graves – RHP – Aurora, Colo.

• 2x all-conference and academic all-state honorable mention.